The Penybanc Panthers have been crowned WWRU Super Cup Vase champions after just a single season in existence.

The triumph is no mean feat – especially considering that many of the team had never even picked up a rugby ball this time last year let alone played a competitive match.

Some readers may well think “So what? What’s the big deal?”

Many may also question the coverage the Guardian has offered this fledgling team.

The answer is simple.

Wales as a nation is currently facing chronic health problems with obesity and heart disease rife.

These problems are only set to worsen in coming generations and most shockingly of all is the fact that it is our young women who are in even worse shape than our young men.

The Welsh Government is determined to tackle the problem by encouraging women in the 18 to 25 age group to participate in sport – for their own good and the good of the nation.

The Penybanc Panthers are a shining beacon for our young women.

Catrin Rees, Brittony Price, Fabiana O’Callahan and their team-mates are an inspiration to the girls and young women who have left school and put the PE kits in a bag forgotten at the back of the wardrobe.

The Panthers – by their example – can and are helping to change attitudes and lifestyles for future generations.

These women are champions on and off the field - and the Guardian offers no apology whatsoever for cheering them to the highest rafters.